Lebanon - Bourj Hammoud Adventist Learning Center
Goal
Meet the academic, and social needs of Kurdish and Syrian refugee children and their families living in Beirut, Lebanon.
Description
Adventist Learning Center (ALC) is an Urban Center of Influence that provides 1st-8th grade education to Kurdish and Syrian refugee children displaced from their homes and now living in Lebanon. Using project-based learning, ALC provides a full academic load in subjects such as English, Arabic, science, math & humanities. As a center of influence, a portion of each teaching week is spent in students' homes cultivating relationships with their families through home visitation and parental education in small groups on topics such as Arabic literacy, or ESL.
More Info
Meet the academic, and social needs of Kurdish and Syrian refugee children and their families living in Beirut, Lebanon.
Description
Adventist Learning Center (ALC) is an Urban Center of Influence that provides 1st-8th grade education to Kurdish and Syrian refugee children displaced from their homes and now living in Lebanon. Using project-based learning, ALC provides a full academic load in subjects such as English, Arabic, science, math & humanities. As a center of influence, a portion of each teaching week is spent in students' homes cultivating relationships with their families through home visitation and parental education in small groups on topics such as Arabic literacy, or ESL.
More Info
- Average Fundraising Goal: Prices may vary. ~$3,600. See our office for more details.
- Timeline: Contracts are given on a school year basis but volunteers are welcome to continue through the summer as well. Teachers arrive on the 3rd week of August for two weeks of training on a variety of academic and other topics. Classes start the first week of September and usually continue until the first week of June. There is generally a three week Christmas break and several shorter breaks throughout the year.
- Location: Adventist Learning Center is located in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon, a suburb of the capital, Beirut. Beirut is located along the Mediterranean Sea and there is an active bus system making transportation easy up and down the coast. In general, Lebanon is a very diverse country with beaches, mountains, rivers, farming plains, and even a bit of desert. There are lots of places for nature lovers to explore. ALC is a short 15 minute drive from Middle East University, the only SDA university in the Middle East and North Africa. There is a large expat community at MEU as well as students from around the world to interact with.Check out the location on Google Maps!
- Living Accommodations: Varies according to preference. Most teachers generally arrange their own housing, renting apartments either close to the SDA community at MEU, or closer to ALC. However, ALC is happy to help arrange a shared apartment if there are multiple teachers of the same gender who would like to live together.
- Language: Lebanon is a diverse country. While its official language is Arabic, all education (including elementary) is given in either French or English. This makes communication relatively easy for foreigners. Most Kurdish and Syrian families served by the ALC do not speak English or French though as they did not grow up in the Lebanese system. This means translation is required for working with the families and younger students who are not yet fluent in English. From grade 3 and above most students at ALC are fairly fluent in basic English.
- Food: Lunches are served during the school day and after Saturday services. The volunteer is responsible for any other meals they would like. Just about any type of food you’d want is available in Lebanon, although imported items are much more expensive.
- Internet Access: The ALC has wifi available for teaching and use while in the school building. It is relatively cheap to purchase a phone card with internet data and also to install internet wherever you choose to live.
- Requirements: Visitors visa to be applied for locally on your behalf. This particular type of visa allows you to apply for a residence permit within 3 months of arrival.
- K-8 Teacher –We are seeking adventurous, creative, and outgoing SDA volunteers to work as classroom teachers for refugee children currently living in Lebanon. Volunteers will use the integrated, project-based learning approach to teach one grade level (potential options between 1st-8th) English, math, science, and humanities. Volunteers can expect to teach four days a week between 9am - 3pm. Afternoon hours on work days are spent in home visits and other interactions with families. Volunteers will also be expected to assist with Saturday services. While working with us, volunteers have the opportunity to develop Arabic conversational skills through daily interactions with the community and children. Discounted Masters level classes are also available at Middle East University to ALC teachers wishing to continue their education while in Lebanon.
- Videographer - We are seeking an adventurous, creative, and outgoing SDA volunteer to spend 2-3 months in Beirut developing media content including videos, photos, and website material to assist with fundraising and social medial presence for Adventist Learning Center. Volunteers will also be expected to assist with Saturday services. While working with us, volunteers have the opportunity to develop Arabic conversational skills through daily interactions with the community and children. Discounted Masters level classes are also available at Middle East University to ALC teachers wishing to continue their education while in Lebanon.
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Interested in Lebanon?
Apply for your preferred position at least four months before you plan to serve, though spots may be available up until a month before departure.